Which three NFL players will enjoy massive sophomore seasons?

Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers, 2021 NFL Draft. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers, 2021 NFL Draft. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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NFL 2022
NFL 2022: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

NFL Sophomores: Most likely to breakout

2. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Perhaps a more under the radar candidate, I really like the idea of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka enjoying a breakout season in 2022 as a sophomore.

Drafted 32nd overall last year, Tryon-Shoyinka primarily played behind Jason Pierre-Paul, who is a free agent.

The Buccaneers might elect to not retain Pierre-Paul, which would pave the way for Tryon-Shoyinka to insert himself into the starting lineup.

What I like most about this is how loaded the Buccaneers’ front seven is.  Between Vita Vea, Devin White, Lavonte David, and Shaq Barrett, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka might be a player that opposing offenses forget about just a bit.

I think there’s a scenario where he notches double-digit sacks in 2022.  Perhaps he doesn’t quite develop into a top-tier pass rusher, but nonetheless, I think his sack totals are going to be high in 2022.

I’d also attribute a potential breakout season to Todd Bowles, who has coordinated a very good Buccaneers defense and is widely respected around the league.  Now as head coach, Bowles gets a second chance with a stable franchise.